Odd Encounter

February 6, 2014: We met with an attorney and commissioner who displayed a dismissive and confrontational attitude. He made light of my cane and even pointed his finger directly at my wife’s face. I was left questioning where he had obtained his information? He proceeded to provide a list of law firms, urging us to sue his client, Parry Petroplus. When we declined, he escalated his approach, threatening that he would have the Governor condemn our property. My response, naturally, was measured but pointed.

March 19, 2014: A politician and commercial realtor arrived to address drainage concerns. His reactions, however, raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in the development process, echoing the concerns previously raised by the 2011 Examining Professional. His visible discomfort when confronted with a 2004 City Manager Haws document suggested an awareness of systemic issues that had persisted unchecked. The mention of potentially contacting three compromised entities added gravity to the situation. His abrupt departure and subsequent lack of follow-up further illustrated a reluctance to meaningfully engage with the matter.

April 16, 2014: My wife insisted I leave the country for surgery, and we wired funds to cover a scheduled procedure in Germany.

April 2014: A nurse informed me of plans for an internal TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit, designed to wire into the spinal cord in hopes of limiting pain, though structural deterioration would continue. With a subtle undertone implying potential refusal, she mentioned I fell under a new prerequisite. I informed her that I would be traveling to Germany for surgery.

Records Surprise A Foreign Neurosurgeon Where I Almost Die

May 13, 2014: Following my surgery in Germany, our experiences raised serious concerns about miscommunication and potential negligence. The Internationally renowned neurosurgeon remarked that the recent MRI scan of myself we had brought was not of the patient he had operated on, adding to the complexity of the situation.

The prolonged duration of the surgery, coupled with significant findings—particularly my L5 vertebra grinding into my sacrum and my ground disc—underscored the severity of my condition. My suspicions regarding the Commissioner’s involvement, especially after his dismissive attitude toward my condition earlier, added a troubling layer to these concerns.

May 18, 2014: After my release from the hospital in Bogen, Germany, Valerie and I were taken to our hotel in Straubing, where we were scheduled to stay for three weeks. While dining at a nearby restaurant, a waitress noticed my surgical brace and inquired if I was a patient of the renowned neurosurgeon. Upon confirmation, she mentioned that Moscow Channel One had been in both Straubing and my Hospital City of Bogen filming a story about my neurosurgeon, both cities, my operative hospital city, the townsfolk of both cities, including an interview with my surgeon in the very chair where I was now sitting in a then empty restaurant except for my wife and I.

Our friend came and took us a day later to Bavaria where a subsequent barbecue not only served as a warm welcome but also revealed the underlying curiosity of strangers there regarding my journe. As conversations unfolded, it became clear that attendees were contemplating the implications of my surgery and expressing concern for my well-being.

Meanwhile, Back Home In West Virginia

May 19, 2014: "WV Professor: WVU's Aspirations Hampered By State's Interference".

May 20, 2014, Article: Pittsburgh Official To Lead WVU Hospital.

End of May 2014: Once back in West Virginia, the weight of scrutiny regarding my surgery became apparent. My wife felt particularly burdened by the invasive questions and public attention. This ongoing speculation not only affected our peace but also highlighted a disconnect between public curiosity and the realities of recovery; a confidant noted that such attention often complicates matters for those unable to discern the true status of a patient’s health.

July 10, 2014: We were informed that my surgery in Germany had “changed everything,” that geopolitical circumstances were destabilized, and that we were in danger.

July 17, 2014 – 11:30 P.M.: A late-night attempt to access our home through the locked back patio door marked an unsettling breach. Given the seclusion of our residence and the absence of similar incidents over the previous 22 years, my wife’s vigilance revealed the unusual nature of this encounter. This event prompted deeper speculation regarding the intruder’s intentions, suggesting motives beyond a typical burglary, potentially linked to my recent surgery or other undisclosed reasons.

August / September 2014: This unsettling encounter echoed a past warning from a Bridgeport police officer, who had expressed concerns that the police force had been instructed to avoid our property. In response, we proactively enhanced our security measures, investing in comprehensive systems including motion detectors, firearms, and additional cameras to safeguard our family. With the upcoming visit of our German guests in October, our newly acquired dog became an important companion and additional layer of protection, helping to create a more secure environment.

Americana

October 2014: Welcoming visitors from a region once governed by the former Soviet Union offered us a unique opportunity to share the essence of Americana during their month-long stay. Together, we explored diverse sites across America, Canada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, providing them with an enriching cultural experience.
Their appreciation was heartfelt, as expressed in a message they sent upon returning home: "Hello Valerie, Anthony, and family. We have received the package. It is a miraculous recollection of a wonderful holiday with you. The flag I have sent is a rare relic of a once-existing state." This thoughtful gesture underscored the meaningful exchange of culture and friendship that transcended borders and histories, leaving a lasting positive impression on our visitors.

Decisions

While thirteen years of navigating challenges with the Partners, and later Tri-Partners, significantly influenced our decision to move, it was not the sole reason; the response to my Geo-Surgical Timeline from January 2014 also played a vital role in shaping our path forward. Adding to the complexity, two relatives—one from my wife's family and one from mine—remarked independently, "I work hard and was smart too," about our success, a chilling coincidence that emerged a decade apart during some of our most vulnerable times. Their comments, echoing similar sentiments, chipped away at our resolve and raised unsettling questions about what type of fraternity could shape such phrasing ten years apart via two seperative relatives? Though these cumulative experiences weren't the primary cause for our relocation, they certainly felt like the proverbial icing on the cake, compelling us to seek a fresh start.

We Move

July 2015: Relocating to North Carolina for a fresh start presented its own challenges. My wife’s adverse reaction to Levofloxacin created significant stress, and her medical care devolved into a “hot potato” scenario characterized by fear and uncertainty. Her struggles are documented in the narratives "Harsh Realities" and "How Could This Have Been Allowed?" reflecting the severity of her health dilemmas. Her frightening ER Visit in May 2021 further intensified our concerns about her well-being.

2024: Despite our persistent efforts, the Charité in Berlin refused to provide my wife’s post-operative pathology reports from October 2020, even though they had made similar information available to her hospital mate, Navalny. In a significant development, the FDA would later acknowledge the underlying cause of her ongoing health issues in February of 2024, a key point in our timeline. Providing some long-awaited clarity after a prolonged and distressing journey.

Next: Americana